Wyken Medical Centre placed in 'special measures'

[dutchman]

A Coventry GP surgery has been rated ‘inadequate’ by health watchdogs who have placed it into special measures.



The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has warned Wyken Medical Centre it must improve in the next six months or face possible closure.

If it doesn't improve it could be stripped of its CQC registration, which it needs to operate as a GP surgery.

A recent inspection of the site, which has about 2,100 patients, uncovered a catalogue of concerns included in a CQC report published online.

The assessment found that Wyken Medical Centre performed inadequately in its duty to provide services that are safe, effective, well led and responsive to people’s needs.

However, the report did find that patients believed staff at the centre were caring. Two doctors, one nurse and a three administration staff are employed at the surgery, which is run by Dr Hemendra Kashinath Pandya.

Janet Williamson, deputy chief inspector at the CQC’s central region, said: “It is important that the people who are registered with the Wyken Medical Centre can rely on getting the high quality care which everyone is entitled to receive from their GP.

“Although the patients said they were treated with dignity and respect and that staff were kind, we also found that care and treatment was not always delivered in line with best practice.

“We know that the Wyken Medical Centre has acknowledged the areas where action must be taken. We have found significant areas of concern, which is why we are placing the practice into special measures – so opening the way to support from NHS England among others.

“We will continue to monitor this practice and we will inspect again in six months to check whether improvements have been made. I am hopeful that the practice will do what is required for the sake of its patients, but if we find that the service remains inadequate, we will consider taking further action.”

The CQC report highlighted concerns that proper checks were not taking place to ensure staff were properly qualified.

It also showed many patients had complained about the fact the surgery closed at 1pm and that some had been made to wait a week for an appointment.

The surgery must now improve its services and health and safety while ensuring that staff are kept up to date with the latest medical guidance. Regular audits must also take place and out of hours services enhanced.

Guidance from the CQC also suggests the centre should improve its cleanliness and infection control procedures.

Nobody at the Wyken Medical Centre could be reached for comment.

[dutchman]

Thousands of patients forced to find new GP after Coventry surgery announces closure

More than 2,000 patients will have to find a new GP after it was announced a city surgery is to close.

Wyken Medical Centre will shut at the end of March because its only doctor is retiring.

In June last year the surgery was rated ‘inadequate’ by health watchdogs who placed it into special measures.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) warned the centre it must improve in the next six months or face possible closure.

The Brixham Drive practice has 2,061 registered patients.

David Williams, locality director for NHS England in Coventry and Warwickshire, said in a statement that patients “will receive details of all other GP practices in the area, and these will be aware that new patients will be approaching them to register”.

Dr Hemendra Pandya, who has been at Wyken for 20 years, announced his retirement as of January 1 and had to give three months’ notice to NHS England.

The practice manager said the last doctor there had retired in July 2013.

She said: “The patients realise the doctor is of an age where he’s going to retire. They’re shocked that the surgery is actually having to close down.”

“We’re here for the patients, we will stay to look after the patients.”

A surgery notice stated: “Important notice to all our patients at Wyken Medical Centre. After 20 years as a GP at Wyken Medical Centre Dr Pandya has decided to retire.

“Dr Pandya has enjoyed working as a GP in the practice and will miss his patients.

“He wishes both his patients and colleagues all the best for the future. Unfortunately this means the surgery will be closing.

“An official date for the closure will be announced in the very near future.”

Ruth Light, Healthwatch Coventry chief officer, said the city had a GP shortage in common with other areas.

She said: “The heart of the matter is becoming a GP probably isn’t as appealing to prospective and junior doctors as other specialisms.”

“The important thing now is that NHS England puts in place a smooth transfer for those patients.”

• Anyone who has problems finding a new GP can contact Healthwatch Coventry’s information service on 02476 252011.

[rebbonk]

Some of my family will not be happy, they've been with that practice since it was in a little garage at the back of a house on Brixham Drive. Dr Colville started the practice IIRC.